Advantages

Disadvantages

Fandabbydozy mascara!

~~~~~~ L'Oreal Volume Shocking mascara ~~~~~~

When I was a student and had so much more money (ha), I used to always buy new mascaras. Mascara is my favourite makeup item as I am lucky to have been blessed with decent lashes, and I do like to make the best of them. At the time, there was a bit of a fad for 2 step application mascaras and the L'Oreal Volume Shocking mascara was the one that I fancied the most. I can't remember how much I paid for it, but it was probably around £5-7, as I would always buy these when they were brand new out and at an introductory price, which was always in this range. It is currently priced at £9.99 on Boots website.

~~~ First Impressions ~~~

The packaging for this mascara is bulky - it is a sort of sharp oval shaped gold and black bottle, with one side containing the 6ml white primer and the other containing the 6ml black mascara. Each end has a screw off lid with the applicator wand attached. This mascara is promising to give extreme volume with the 2 step construction.

The wand for the basecoat is a regular brush; nice and soft with flexible bristles. The wand for the black mascara top coat is a comb, which in the past I have had mixed results with. This one however, has 2 rows of short teeth and looks a lot more promising.

It does contain some conditioning ingredients, such as beeswax, panthenol, jojobo butter and jojoba oil but also contains parabens and other unnatural ingredients!

~~~ Using & results ~~~

I should say now that I always use a lash curler before applying any mascara.

Applying the basecoat is very easy and the brush is excellent, allowing nice even coverage without bing too thick or clumpy. It's perfect considering it's a primer and there's more to go on top of it! I would never use this on my lower lashes, just the top, where it leaves a noticeable white coating. My lashes already looked longer and thicker with this applied.

Applying the black mascara is somewhat trickier - the comb applicator is actually pretty good though. A good volume of mascara is caught between the 2 rows of teeth, and when you sweep it through your lashes it does coat them nicely. I do not use this mascara on my lower lashes at all as it is too much. I found it didn't clump as such, but occasionally 2 or 3 of my lashes would stick together a little and I would use a clean, bog standard brush mascara wand to comb through them to separate. I think this is not helped by the short teeth, as if they were a little longer then perhaps separation would be better. But, I have had some disagreements with long toothed comb applicators in the past, so I am not complaining about this. I think it's a happy medium, for me anyway.

If I was wearing other eye makeup such as eyeshadow, then this part of the process was very time consuming, as I found it difficult to avoid smudges on my eyelids! Saying that, patience and going (very) slowly did work. If I was only wearing mascara though I would just wipe the smudges away with a cotton bud once I was done and to hell with patience!

--- So what about the results? Once the topcoat is all applied, I really do see a big difference in my lashes. They do indeed look volumised and longer and I love the look it gives me. I frequently get asked if I am wearing falsies when I apply this mascara!

I would generally use 2 or 3 coats of the black, often using another wand to comb through in between to keep my lashes separated and avoid clumping. If I applied several coats using only the comb applicator then I did unfortunately get a bit of clumping, so this mascara is not quite as simple as it claims. I also feel it's important to get the next coat on before it dries as I get far better results, so would definitely say do one eye from start to finish at a time. It is a bit of a process but I do think the results are worth it.

--- Does it last? I would never have to touch this up throughout the day, and in fact feel that wouldn't work at all. Since using this mascara really is a construction effort, once it's done you don't really want to faff with it! I never needed to anyway, my lashes stayed looking good all through the day and I had no issues with this one flaking or smudging. Though as I only wear full eye makeup when the occasion calls for it, I am always very aware not to rub my eyes or anything.

It makes no claims to be waterproof, and if it was raining then I would be using an umbrella, so no water would be hitting my face. I probably cried at some (several) points while wearing this, but as I would have been under the influence I couldn't tell you how it fared!

--- What about deconstruction?When it comes time to remove this, it is actually not bad. To get the best effect out of this mascara, I do end up applying a fair bit. One coat doesn't cut it for a serious false lash effect (though it does work for a more subtle look) and so it does take a bit of removing. The mascara is blackest black and I would need to use 2 or 3 remover pads (Boots fragrance free ones, reviewed a few days ago) per eye, or one facial wipe per eye to remove all traces. To remove I close my eyes and wipe downward over lashes and then wrap a clean section of pad or wipe around my finger and rub it sideways across the underside of my lashes. During removal it ends up all over my eyelids and below my eyes but it wipes off these areas easily.

~~~ Recommend? ~~~

I would definitely recommend this, but with a word of warning that this is not an effortless mascara. I think a price tag of £9.99 is reasonable for this as it seems, to me, to be more than just a mascara! It really does do wondrous things, but as I say you have to make an effort with it. This isn't the type of mascara that you can sweep on in a second before running out the door to work, in my experience.

It does give me fab volume, lengthening and when I go the whole hog a good false eyelash effect. I lost count of how many people I recommended this to after them commenting, and I still give it my recommendation - it only misses out on full marks due to the effort required and the fact that I needed an extra tool for the perfect look.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

A brilliant mascara.

I have tried several different mascaras over the years but now this is the only mascara I use as no other mascara has been able to achieve the effect that this mascara has on my eyelashes.

L'Oréal Paris is a French company that produces a range of products from cosmetics and skincare to hair care and styling.

PackagingThis mascara does not come in the boring old standard cylindrical tube. The tube is sort of kite shaped with the ends being triangular shaped. One end of the tube is black and the other is grey and the middle of the tube is split into black and grey portions. The grey portion contains a white base coat while the black portion contains the black mascara. To get the wand out, you just have to twist the end and then pull.

The mascaraThe wand for the base coat is a standard brush applicator. First you apply the white lash-defining base coat which curls your lashes. I have straight lashes and am quite pleased with how the base coat works. Next you apply the top coat which is black. The wand for the top coat is a comb which helps to separate your lashes and create an intense look. The comb is easy to use and I can do both my eyes in one go, without having to insert the wand back into the tube for more mascara. The final look is thick and gorgeous separated eyelashes. This mascara does indeed add shocking volume to my lashes. The mascara dries very quickly and so doesn't spread all around my eyes as other mascaras tend to. My eyes tend to water when I am out and there is wind and this mascara has never run so it is waterproof too. However, the mascara can be easily removed with an eye makeup remover. I have sensitive eyes and wear contact lenses and this mascara does not irritate my eyes at all.

Price and AvailabilityUnfortunately this mascara has been discontinued as "new and improved" products are now available. However, you can still buy it on Ebay and Amazon (Amazon is currently selling this for as cheap as £5.99 plus postage). I will be buying this from Amazon for as long as it is available because I really haven't been able to find a better mascara.

Final WordI do recommend this mascara as I have no problems with it at all: it curls my lashes, adds volume, is easy to apply, doesn't make my lashes clump, and is not overly expensive. I am yet to find a mascara that has all these attributes. I use mascara 2-3 times a week and this easily lasts me 6 months without drying out. I would recommend checking out Amazon or Ebay for this wonderful mascara.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

great procuct

This mascara is absolutley awesome! I purchased it off amazon.co.uk for about £7 which is a reasonable price and it arrived promptly.

The packaging is good colours and very attractive but it is a unusual shape. However I got the hang of it really quickly. First of all you have to apply the white mascara which gives your lashes lots of beautiful volume. It is white so it really stands out and you can coat every lash.

Then apply the black mascara which will really make those lashes POP! It takes quite a while to cover up all the white but it is deffintly worth it because the effect you get is just great.

My lashes look so much longer and thicker. previous mascaras have lengthed but not thickned but this has done both which is fantastic. It also has a beautiful consitency not too thick and clumpy. It is just right

Overall I would deffintly recommend this product to anyone who wants beautiful eyelashes! However I think you can't buy it at boots or superdrug anymore....It might be discountinued but I'm not sure.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

expected better

I love mascara and i am always on the hunt for better products so i decided to try this one.

First of all little on the pricey side but looked worth the money, good brand name, attractive packaging and sounded like a good product.

The mascara comes with two applicators. The 1st is a white cream designed to thicken the lashes. The second is the mascara to elongate the lashes.

I have to say i didnt notice an amazing difference in comparison to other products I have previously used. What I have noticed that the thickening cream rather than thicken tends to clump lashes togethor. This then looks like I don't have many lashes. I personally prefer a mascara which seperates and defines each lash. I have long eye lashes already but I found with this product they were not as noticable, almost like they were being weighted down rather than curling up.

For the money it cost I would say this product is not worth it in my opinion. I will continue my hunt for the perfect mascara!

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Only for those with curly eyelashes. Not good value for the money.

This seems to be a popular product on the whole and so I am going to go against the grain somewhat:-

Overview:

The mascara is applied in two stages. The first involves applying a sort of white base coat to thicken the lashes. The second involves applying colour. The container has cream and black compartments, the first containing the thickening gel, and the second the colour to be applied.

Positives:

Product is very thickening.

Both the thickening and colour applicators are good and I was able to get at inside and corner lashes.

The packaging is attractive.

Negatives:

I thought that the overall effect after applying the two coats was quite cakey.

Mostly do not use this if you have straight eyelashes and need to curl them with eyelash curlers prior to any mascara application! The first coat weighs down the lashes and drags out any curl in them and then the second coat exacerbates this.

I can see how this would be a very good thickening product if you already have longish lashes that curl upwards - however if your eyelashes are straight I think that this is one to be avoided!

I think that there are a lot of slightly cheaper products which do a better job.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Replaced by a far less effective mascara. So much for new technology.

I have very fair lashes and never really found a mascara that made my eyes 'pop'. That is until I came across this one.

The first white coat built up the lashes making them seem a lot thicker and longer and the black had a comb applicator meaning you didn't miss a single lash and it fanned them out making them look long and full.

For £9.99 you couldn't really go wrong and I never purchased any other mascara after finding this one

The last few times I went to stock up I noticed a little empty space where they should have been. Imagine my horror when I was told it had been discontinued due to advances in technology (why change something that already worked fine I pondered)

I was advised to buy the new Double extension tubes which I did. It is rubbish. It too has a white 'base' coat but the main applicator is a brush, not a comb so it doesn't give the same effect.

However, I did still have some base coat left from over from the volume shocking mascara which I tested out with the new black from the Double extension and that worked ok, so I can only assume that it is the white coat which makes the biggest difference.

I am dissapointed in L'oreal. This apparently was an extremely popular item and instead of just selling the 'new technology' in a new mascara to perhaps gain more custom, they replaced a perfectly good one with one that doesn't have anywhere near the same effect therefore probably losing customers.

Well they lost at least one, me.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

best mascara i've ever tried!

This mascara has been my holy grail mascara since I was 14. I have never used anything else until recently, I had no choice as Loreal stupidly discontinued this AMAZING mascara. I emailed them about the matter and they emailed me back telling me due to new advanced technology, they are able to constantly improve and update their products. They also recommend their new Double Extension Mascara. Which I'd already used. Granted, it was a decent mascara but it failed to give me the dramatic volume and length my beloved Volume Shocking did.

Since, I've tried YSL, Maybelline, most of Loreal's mascaras, Elizabeth Arden, Benefit, all kinds. None of them delivered the dramatic beautiful lash I was craving. I finally took the plunge and ordered it off Ebay. Though this is not convenient, I don't know how long it will be available on there and it's nice to just go and pick a mascara up from your local drugstore. But I will definitely take advantage of the time I do have it, as it really is the best I've tried. I've also heard Cheryl Cole is a big fan and that she really recommends it, you can't really go wrong there.

The mascara is a perculiar shape. It is kind of shaped like a diamond. It has 2 wands, one for priming the lashes and one the actual mascara. The primer wand is just your regular wand and is a whiteish/grey consistency. It will never leave any white residue to your lashes once you have applied the mascara though, unlike a few double wanded mascara's, I've been applying this since I first got into make up and it has never been a problem at all. The actual mascara wand is a comb shaped and it works extraordinarily, you're left with no clumps, just thick, intense lashes. The colour is Carbon black too which is very dramatic and gorgeous!

There is also a waterproof version, I never purchased that one as the regular has been put to the ULTIMATE tests over the four years. I've been in extreme pouring rain without an umbrella, cried my eyes out, and even swimming wearing this mascara. It has never run for my but it's also very easy to remove.

My lashes aren't really short, but I wouldn't say they're very long without mascara and 9 times out of 10 people have always complimented my lashes and asked if I wore fake lashes and general compliments, my eyelashes wearing this have never failed to eye catch! When I ran out of this to find it had been discontinued I was MAAAD and after trying out loads of different mascaras the compliments on my eyelashes were low and being a girl it wasn't a nice feeling. Having one of your best assets taken away from you. My mum and sister also LOVED this mascara, my mum has really short lashes and she was pleased she'd found a product to tackle this problem.

This mascara at just one stroke creates massive length, lots of volume and you can really build it up for that intense look. It also lasts a long time, it lasted me about 5 months of wearing it pretty much almost everyday and it cost me £10 each time I bought it but it was so worth it! A bonus about this mascara now is that you can get it even cheaper on sites such as Ebay, Amazon, etc.

The mascara is also fragrance free & suitable for sensitive eyes.God knows why they discontinued this mascara. I am still praying they will bring it back.But I highly recommend you look for it on Ebay or other websites like that if you have never tried it as you will fall in love with it like me and my mum did.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Great mascara! A must buy.

I love this mascara! This is by far the best one I've used and would definitely recommend it. I decided to try this mascara after watching a You Tube video where Lauren Luke was reviewing various mascara's. This one was also on Lauren's top list.

The mascara consists of two wands. The first is the white side which should be applied first to help thicken the lashes. The wand has a thick brush which makes it easy to apply enough after a couple of strokes and it really does do a good job at thickening the lashes up. The second wand is the black side which contains the actual black mascara. The wand for this looks like a tiny comb, this is great for applying the mascara and helps to separate the lashes individually and also adds length to the lashes.

My lashes look much fuller and longer after I've applied it.

I've also found that the mascara doesn't run easily, but can quickly be removed using a face wipe or eye make-up remover.

The only downside is, I would say that the shape of the casing is rather bulky and takes a bit of getting used to (I did end up poking myself in the eye a couple of times!).

Overall this is a great mascara and well worth buying. I paid around £10.00 for it which I think is quite reasonable considering it's a great mascara.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Great mascara gives brilliant results

I recently won this mascara from when l'oreal do their giveaways of 10000 products. I was a bit skeptical at first as I have never before used a two step mascara as I always used to go for one step mascaras as its less time consuming, I have to say though I was pleasantly suprised by this product.

This mascara comes with two steps:

1. Coats your lashes with a white sticky layer that soon dries. It sculpts your lashes then dries, a bit like hairspray, and holds your lashes in a flattering position ready for the second step.

2. This next step is the black mascara, this step adds extra volume to your lashes and puts a layer of lovely colour over the top of your lashes which are held firmly in place by the previous step.

(Both steps use a mascara brush step 1 is a white liquid whereas step 2 is a black liquid.)

The mascara brushes are so compact that it makes it less possible for you to end up with it smudging everywhere : - ). After using the steps I was amazed by the results, my lashes looked very defined, long, thick and all round lovely, something no other mascara has seemed to be a ble to achieve, this is now the only mascara I use and does get you noticed.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Great

I always like to have a good mascara on. I do experiment and buy different products. L'Oreal Paris Volume Shocking Mascara was first discovered by me when I saw the water proof version, (which is slightly different and comes in a blue/black packaging). It was being used by my mother and when I tried it on it was amazing my eye lashes immediately began looking very prominent and full and long. The only problem being was that when I tried to take it off it was very hard to take off with even a very high-quality make-up remover. I like make-up that comes up easily as I am continuously washing my face during the day.

Therefore I decided to invest in this product which is not water proof but pretty much has the same results in terms of enhancing lashes. It is a two step construction mascara meaning first you have to apply the lash defining base coat which is white in appearance and on top of that the black volume constructing top coat and you only require one of each coat. Some mascaras need a few coats to be noticed and it ends in a clumpy look. I have noticed this mascara can also get clumpy if reapplied.

There are some problems with this product one being that the actual mascara is quite big and takes up a lot of space in a make-up bag or handbag, next I noticed that if you rub your eyes it easily smudges or if you have watery eyes. A few times if I've had teary eyes it runs in the eyes and causes some discomfort that I had to immediately wash off as my eyes were slightly burning. It is expensive compared to other mascaras and I bought it in Boots for £9.99, but it can be bought cheaper from Ebay or markets etc. It normally comes in a 13ml pack.

One thing to think about before buying this product is that it is very noticeable and if you are into the natural look it probably won't be for you. This product gives the heavily mascara or even false lashes look and is great going out for dinner or a special occasion but maybe not so good on a everyday basis unless you are into your make-up.

Overall a good product as it does do what it says as in providing volume and definiation to your lashes.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Great for a night out!

I discovered L'Oreal's Volume Shocking Mascara when I was on yet another pointless walk through the cosmetic section at my local drugstore(this is one of my horrible habits). I was immediately intrigued by the packaging of the product as it seemed like a clunky little contraption rather than a mascara. It had one side of the package that was white and the other side was black, and it fit in my hand the way a wrench would rather than a mascara. I was contemplating how I was ever going to fit this is my tiny purses, but as usual, I was convinced that bigger and more complicated must mean better. So I waltzed off to the counter to make another one of my infamous and random purchases that I always have to hide from my mum. The product cost about $15-$20 I can't really remember as this was awhile back, and I chose it in the shade of blackest black.

When I got home I began to read the packaging on the mascara before opening it, as I like to see if beauty products live up to their descriptions. This particular mascara promised super lush, luminous lashes that are achieved using a two step process. Step one is a comb that is supposed to define and smooth your lashes and prep them for the actual black mascara. Step two was the basic mascara that was supposed to be enriched with 'expansyl' which would volumize the lashes from root to tip giving a false eyelash look. My mouth dropped as I had never heard of a mascara that promised a false eyelash effect before, and was now so excited to try it for myself.

Now I unwrapped the product and washed my face before attempting to apply my new mascara. The product was said to be safe for contact lens wearers and therefore I put in my contact lenses before using the mascara. I began with Step 1 by applying a coat of what looked like a white mascara that glided onto my lashes, giving a ghostly look to them. I proceeded to let this dry and then went on to Step 2 which was the regular mascara. This mascara went over top the white base coat and thickened my lashes from root to tip. It did take a little while to fully cover all of the white spots but the final effect was well worth it. My lashes did look quite voluminous and rather false like, I was truly shocked at the products effectiveness. It also didn't look quite as clumpy as I had expected, and it was rather smooth for the most part.

I went out that very night to a club where I intended to bat my new lashes and have a good time with the girls. However I wasn't pleasantly surprised to find that by the end of the night, due to sweating and the heat in the place, the mascara had smudged a little bit and left a few flakes under my eye. This was rather disssapointing as I hate when a mascara can't withstand a whole night out. I was thinking of opting for the waterproof version of this mascara next time, which comes in a blue and white package. I was also abit disssapointed that I couldn't fit as much into my little purse because of the size of the thing, but I did have a false eyelash look that lasted most of the night.

When I arrived home after my night of partying I washed my face and the mascara removed fairly easily with soap and water, which I was sure would have been much more complicated. This mascara is one that I would opt for mainly for a night out with a date or to a party where there isn't a humid or sweaty atmosphere. I also recommend opting for a waterproof version in this circumstance. This is a great mascara to achieve a fake eyelash look, without the hassle of false lashes and it doesn't even take a million coats to achieve it. I was quite pleased with the product and would recommend it.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

A great mascara, for going out, but might be too dark for everyday use if you are very pale.

I first found out about this mascara when rummaging around in a friends makeup kit, I pulled out this contraption and I have to admit it took me a moment before I realized it even was mascara!But when I did I gave it a go and was quite simply very impressed.

Application.

To apply you start with a base coat of white, this makes the black allot more stunning and thickens out the lashes. You start at the root of the eyelash and wiggle it slightly as you gently pull it through the lashes. The shape of the brush is very user friendly, it is narrow with ridges that run along the length on one side. This shape makes it particularly easy to do the lower lashes as you can regulate how much of the lash you wish to do. If you only want a small section of the under lash black, then place the brush as close to the root on the under lash as you can, and simply wiggle it back and forth, without drawing it through the lashes.

Evaluation.

I am very fair/white and therefore this mascara was too dark for everyday use, it made my eyes very striking, but too bold for day use. I found it great to use for parties or evening affairs, but during the day preferred a less "striking" mascara. However I would still use the brush to do my under lashes as I found it to be the best in making a even line, as other brushes would make some lashes longer then others. And I don't like doing the full under lash, as mine are very long.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

A good value mascara that does the job

I found out about this product from the Beauty therapist who I noticed had lovely long eyelashes. When I asked her what product she used this is the one she recommended to me.

I have naturally very short thin eyelashes and so I was quite exited to hear about this product, that claims to make them both thicker and longer.

The mascara has two side a white mascara wand which lngthens and thickens your lashes and a black side which is a comb which really does makes them look longer.

Iv tried many mascaras and this is probably the best one and really does give a false lash effect. The only problem is that is does clump easily so you have to combe through your lashes afterwards but im willing to overlook this as its the darkest and longest my lashes have ever looked.

It costs around £10 and you can buy it from Boots or Superdrug

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Volumptious!

Like most girls, I love experimenting with new make-up. So when Volume Shocking from L'Oreal came out, I was eager to try it and I've been using it ever since. Personally, I think eyes are one of the first things that attract you to someone and this mascara really does the trick! The mascara comes in two sections, both with an application comb. First of all, you use the cream / gold section on clean, make-up free eyelashes, combing the product through from root to tip. Next, you apply the mascara (black section) from root to tip as many times as you wish to build up your lash colour. The cream / gold section lengthens and volumes your lashes whilst the black mascara gives the colour and definition. Result? Gorgeous looking eyes!

The mascara is easy to apply and doesn't feel sticky nor does it clump. Also, I haven't had any problems with this product drying out or getting crusty / leaking out of the bottle.

This mascara is available in many shops from Asda to Superdrug and costs around £8.00 - £10.00 and can last a month or so, depending on how often you use it. It is recommended you change your mascara every 3 months to avoid bacteria getting in to the product. If you prefer a waterproof mascara, this same product is available and is in a blue / black bottle rather than the cream / black.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

definitely one i'd recommend

This really is an amazing mascara! At first i was not entirely convinced by it's claims of "false lash effect" but had it recommended to me by my cousin who swore by it. I'm also always one for a new-fangled product and did fancy trying out the whole two different layers thing. Basically you first apply the white base coat which looks a little odd but really add's to the length of your lashes, you can build it up as much as you like although don't apply more than maybe three coats otherwise you're looking at some serious clumps. Then you apply the black mascara over the top and your lashes really do look incredibly long and false. It is an amazing product. I did find that sometimes it was a little time consuming if i was late (which is all the time) and I really just wanted to do my make up in a hurry. Also it is a little difficult to get off as i found that even though i'd got the black off i was left with the white base coat unless i really scrubbed at it. Also i have had a couple of tubes of this and each time the black was quite quick to dry up and then you're left with white lashes that you can't quite coat with black! All in all though a really good, high street mascara that is worth every penny.